Akaroa Walk Trip Dossier

Escape for three days of luxury adventure! Hike around the fascinating Banks Peninsula region and absorb breathtaking views of the Canterbury Plains and the spectacular Southern Alps. There are plenty of fantastic photo opportunities along the way.

By night, unwind in comfortable, boutique lodge-style accommodation including a well deserved spa under the stars on the second night. Enjoy some of Canterbury’s best cuisine after each day’s walk including fresh Akaroa salmon and local wines.

You will experience unsurpassed views of the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, Diamond Harbour, Port Levy, Okuti, French Farm Valley, Kaituna, Wainui, Lake Forsyth, Lake Ellesmere and Akaroa.

Day 1.

Christchurch to Diamond Harbour - 18.5km walking
The Akaroa Walk begins close to Christchurch where you meet fellow walkers and your friendly guide.
After a picturesque drive along the Summit Road you will arrive at Gebbies Pass, which is the start of your 18.5km walk on day one. You will walk along the interesting and historical Packhorse Track over McQueens Pass to Mt Bradley and on the way enjoy inspecting the historic stone hut perched in the saddle with commanding views of Lyttelton Harbour.
You will then continue on to Mt Herbert, whilst enjoying stunning views of the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula coastline. From Mt Herbert you will follow the track down to sea level and to your overnight stay at peaceful Diamond Harbour

Day 2.

Diamond Harbour to Hilltop - 16km walking
The track leads you up to Mt Fitzgerald where you will experience unsurpassed panoramic views of the small, secluded bays of Banks Peninsula. From the summit you will follow undulating walkways to Mt Sinclair where the scenery continues to unfold below you. In particular, you will delight in seeing Port Levy, Pigeon Bay, Lake Forsyth and (in the distance) Kaitorete Spit. You will also get your first glimpse of Akaroa Harbour.
You then arrive at Pentrip Lodge, where you are welcomed with a refreshing cold beverage and a hot spa. A highlight of Pentrip Lodge is the barbeque dinner, with fresh Akaroa smoked salmon and local produce - which are served while you relax on the deck, or by the fire.

Day 3.

Hilltop to Akaroa - 11km walking
You start this section with a trip to the oldest living tree on Banks Peninsula – a 2000 year old Totara. From here you head to the top of French Peak, which is a total of 815 metres above Akaroa... and then start the gentle descent through lush farming valleys into Wainui.
The ferry then takes you across the harbour to the French settlement of Akaroa. That evening you will gather and celebrate the completion of the walk at one of Akaroa’s best restaurants… where you will relax and reminisce about your successful trip across Banks Peninsula.

The following morning we transport you back to Christchurch.

A shuttle will return you to Christchurch approximately midday of Day 4. If you wish to stay in Akaroa later, you may request a later shuttle. If you will be extending your stay further, a shuttle voucher will be issued with your choice of departure day. Accommodation after the night of Day 3 is not included.

Grading & Fitness

Grade: C
Up to 6 hrs physical activity per day.
At times carrying small backpack of 6kgs.
Tracks generally in good condition.
Altitude gains of up to 600m on harder days.
No hiking experience necessary. Reasonable standard of fitness required.

The Akaroa Walk requires a moderate level of fitness for maximum enjoyment. To prepare for the Akaroa Walk, take a few hill walks during the two weeks prior to your tour departure date. Walkers need to be able to hike a maximum of 19kms per day over farm tracks, rolling hilltops and ridges. However, if you wish to do only a half day of walking on Day Two (the longest day), this is possible. While you are walking, you will carry a daypack with your personal items and cut lunch as your luggage will be transferred, waiting at the accommodation every night. Your guides will encourage walkers to walk at their own pace with plenty of photo opportunities to fully appreciate and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The Akaroa Walk is not recommended for anyone under the age of fifteen.

Guides & Safety

Guides are friendly, enthusiastic people who love sharing their interest and knowledge about Banks Peninsula's unique flora, fauna and history. They all hold first aid certificates and are very experienced trampers (hikers). The guides are always highly appraised from those who have done the walk.

The company has a Safety Management plan which has been checked and approved by a qualified and independent auditor.

What to take

Essential Items

Clothing to wear or carry each day:

Hiking boots with good ankle support (strongly recommended)

Woollen Socks

Thermal top wool or polypro

Thermal bottom wool or polypro

Shorts or walking trousers- quick drying

Woollen sweater or fleece jacket

Warm hat and gloves

Waterproof jacket with hood

Waterproof overtrousers

Medium size day pack

Personal equipment to bring:

Drink bottles - with at least 1 litre capacity

Wide brimmed hat

Sunhat and sunglasses

Sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF rating

Camera and lots of spare film/memory card

Small first aid kit

Swimwear

Casual attire for the evening

any other personal items

Small personal first aid kit including blister block or similar

You may borrow a 40 litre backpack and rain coat free of charge or if you prefer you can use your own. Weather conditions are highly variable throughout the season and it is essential that you have clothing that keeps you warm when wet through rain or perspiration, e.g. wool or polypropylene.

Transport

Transportation includes a pick up and drop off service in the centre of Christchurch, a gondola ride to the crater rim, shuttle to Lyttelton, ferry rides across Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours and a shuttle back to Christchurch.

Food

You will enjoy great local cuisine; continental breakfasts and hearty packed lunches during the day, and either restaurant meals or wholesome home-cooked fare prepared by your host/hostess in the evenings. If you have any dietary issues or food allergies, we are happy to cater for these, please advise the office of details when you make your booking. Alcohol is not included in the tour cost, but is available for purchase most nights or you are welcome to bring a small amount with you if you prefer.

Accommodation

A good standard of accommodation is provided on a double or twin share basis. Bathroom facilities may be shared some nights with other members of your tour. Individual travellers will be placed in rooms together with other individual travellers of the same sex. Single supplements, where available, attract an additional charge of $300 per person. At the completion of the walk you may choose to stay on in Akaroa French Village then catch the complimentary shuttle back to Christchurch when it suits.

Questions

What is included in my Akaroa Walk package?
The Akaroa Walk provides you with three days of luxury adventure. Your tour package includes all accommodation, meals, entry to attractions and transport required throughout your three day Banks Peninsula experience. Your booking covers all your needs from the morning of day one through to your accommodation on day three, except for any alcohol consumed.

I am ready for a challenge. Is there a required fitness level?
The Akaroa Walk have selected tracks around Banks Peninsula that will challenge you at times and reward you with spectacular scenery along the way.

Do I really need thermals and a fleece, even in summer?
As most of the track is in open country and is therefore exposed, you need to be prepared for all weather conditions.

What if I want to spend extra time in Akaroa?
No problem, you will be given a voucher for travel back from Akaroa to Christchurch and you can book your post-tour return to suit yourself. Shuttle buses depart from the Akaroa Information Centre at 10.30am, 3.35pm and 4.30pm. Or, prior to tour departure you can pre-book your return to Christchurch and arrange pick up from your Akaroa accommodation. The shuttle bus will drop you off in Cathedral Square in the centre of Christchurch.

Can I come on my own?
Yes. If you are happy to share a room, we can pair you with another walker of the same sex, otherwise you can request a single room to yourself. Please note, there is an additional single supplement fee for single room accommodation.

How many people are in each group?
Typically, we take a maximum of twelve people on each walking tour. This gives you the best opportunity to gain as much from your walking experience as possible. We are happy to discuss options for groups of more than twelve with you.

Additional Costs

Wine, other beverages and souvenirs are available at your cost.

Booking Conditions

Bookings are confirmed upon receipt of the full tour price and become definite from that date. The Operator or their agents reserve their right to decline any booking at their discretion. The Operator reserves the right to change or alter these published tours without any notification.

The Operator will use its best endeavours to ensure that all tours are operated as advertised. It may be that reasonable changes in the itinerary may need to be made where is deemed necessary or advisable by The Operator. Changes will be advised to the client as soon as is reasonably possible.

Adverse weather conditions may mean that planned activities cannot proceed as intended. A decision to change an advertised tour based on the weather conditions will be made by a tour guide at the time and is made in the best interest of the group and their safety. The Operator and or their contracted suppliers can not be held responsible to any changes as a result of the weather.

The Operator, its agents, contractors and guides do not accept responsibility or liability for loss, damage to, or theft of personal belongings (owner’s risk) or for any expenses, including medical and transport expenses arising from personal accident, injury, illness, or hospitalisation. The Operator and their guides reserve the right to make any alterations to the itinerary in the interest of safety, comfort or any unforeseen circumstances due to causes such as weather, illness, or misadventure. Every reasonable endeavour will be made to keep to published schedules but no guarantee is given. The Operator will not be held liable for costs incurred by change, delay or the missing of connecting services. The Operator reserves the right to exclude a person from a tour at any time, if in the opinion of the guide or operator, that person may be likely to risk the health, safety or comfort (including unsociable behaviour) of other clients, him or herself or the environment. In such circumstances The Operator will not be obliged to offer any refund or transfer of ticket. These terms and conditions apply to each participant included in a group booking. Where a booking is made on behalf of a group of two or more people then each participant in the group must be made aware of and accept these terms and conditions.

Payment:

For bookings four or more months in advance of the departure a 25% deposit can be paid with the remainder due 95 days prior to your trip. For bookings within four months of the departure, full payment is required.

Cancellations:

If you wish to cancel your Akaroa Walk the following charges will be applied:
More than 6 weeks prior to departure - 90% refund of full ticket price
Between 3 & 6 weeks – 65% refund of full ticket price
Less than 3 weeks - no refund will be given
If a passenger fails to join the tour, or joins after the tour departure date, no refund will be made.

Travel Insurance:

We highly recommend cancellation insurance together with all other necessary travel insurances. Obtaining all necessary insurances is the responsibility of you. The operator and agent can not held liable for any failure on your part to get insurance.

Medical Conditions:

When you book you must notify us of any medical condition, medical history or medication that you are on. To do this you must complete the pre-trip questionnaire which will be sent to you soon after you have completed your booking.

Notes:

This trip is run in conjunction with another operator.

Please advise us of any special requirements e.g. special diets, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, etc.

Overview	Details	Photos	Reviews	Booking Form

Qualmark Endorsed Visitor Service and Tourism Industry Association Member